Need Help from Credit report experts: "potentially negative alert"

I just received a "potentially negative alert" about something being posted on my credit report: I went to look and it's 3 unpaid medical bills totaling $76.

I called the company that posted it and asked to have it removed if I paid the bill right away. They said they can't remove it but they will report it paid in January if I pay over the phone right now. I said I can;t pay it unless they remove it. They said I have to take it up with the credit bureau... What do I do?? I don't want that thing on my report. Also, is "Potentially negative" same as "negative".

I have a very good score and don't want to ruin it, how do I resolve this??

Re: Need Help from Credit report experts: "potentially negative alert"

I had the same thing happen to me for a cell phone bill for my sister. She got a new phone and plan and didn't think it was necessary to pay the last bill. I found out when it hit my credit report. I paid it over the phone and they said they'd mark it as paid. It hasn't been on my report since then. I'd definitely pay it by phone and see if it's removed within a month or so.

Re: Need Help from Credit report experts: "potentially negative alert"

Thank you! I am just concerned that they said that they can't remove it... It made it sound like it will be on my repost even after I pay it, like a record that at one time I did have an over due bill.

Re: Need Help from Credit report experts: "potentially negative alert"

Bumping for more info ?

Re: Need Help from Credit report experts: "potentially negative alert"

I would dispute it with the credit agency. They will mark it paid and then it will sit on your report from my understanding as paid, but that it was delinquent.

Re: Need Help from Credit report experts: "potentially negative alert"

pay it, then write a letter to the company requesting that they remove the report within 30 days or respond- cc all three credit agencies

If the company does not respond- by law the 3 agencies are obligated to remove it.

hth